Proceedings brand creation for a prescribed fire culture – utilizing key social media parameters. Lars Coleman*1, J. Kelly Hoffman1, Thomas McDaniel1, R. Patrick Bixler2, Urs P. Kreuter1, Morgan Russell3

Rangelands in north Africa and the near east in general provide numerous goods and services that have great economic, social, cultural, and biological values. For centuries, inhabitants of rangelands have engineered pastoral and farming systems that have sustained their livelihoods in these harsh and dry environments. Unfortunately, these rangelands have undergone profound socio-economic changes where traditional grazing systems (transhumance and nomadism) which had historically allowed for grazing deferment were abandoned. Almost all rangelands are now grazed continuously without any restriction in space or in time. To address the negative effects of overgrazing and also the recurrent droughts, a study was carried out in southern Tunisia aiming at assessing the effect of deferred grazing on plant cover dynamics and productivity. Percent plant cover, species composition, plant density and rangeland production were estimated inside the rested sites (1 year, 2 years and 3 years), controlled grazing sites (one and 2 years after 3 years rested sites) and free grazed sites, considered as control. Preliminary results showed considerable positive effects of the applied restoration technique (rest).The 2 years resting followed by controlled grazing showed a speedy recovery of these degraded ecosystems. Such low cost restoration technique would be considered as an efficient option given the limited or even lack of financial resources to rehabilitate arid rangelands. In addition, it has the advantage of conserving the biodiversity, improving forage production, reducing feed cost and mitigating the negative impact of climate change. Key words: deferred grazing, dry lands, ecosystem services, transhumance, biodiversity, restoration

EVALUATION OF THE AUTOMATED REFERENCE TOOLSET FOR OIL AND GAS RECLAMATION ON COLORADO RANGELANDS. Sean F. Di Stefano*¹, Colby Brungard¹, Jason W. Karl², Nelson Stauffer³, Sarah McCord³; ¹New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, ²University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, ³USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, NM

ABSTRACT

Rangelands are characterized by low precipitation and low biomass, making them susceptible to disturbance and difficult to reclaim. Considering the widespread and significant impact of oil and gas development on rangelands, effective reclamation is vital. Thus, it is important that land managers understand the ecological context of a reclamation site so that management outcomes can be correctly interpreted. This is often accomplished through comparison of reclamation areas to reference sites which are selected by their similarity to the reclamation area’s pre-disturbance condition, so that the relative condition of a reclamation site can be determined. Reference site selection is normally expert driven on a site-by-site basis, and thus can be inconsistently applied and ineffective in helping to meet reclamation goals over large landscapes. The Automated Reference Tool (ART) was developed to improve the efficiency and efficacy of reference site selection by selecting reference sites of similar land potential to the reclamation area based on soil texture, topography, and geology. However, ART has not been previously evaluated in a management context. Our objectives were to evaluate ART within this context and determine if existing reference sites are appropriate reference sites for well-pads. We applied the ART to oil & gas reclamation sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) White River Field Office, Colorado, to their reference sites and to nearby sites from the BLM’s Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) program. Both existing reference sites and nearby AIM sites varied in their similarity to reclamation sites according to ART and in terms of vegetation composition from field sampling. Based on these results, ART can complement expert-driven reference site selection, making reference site selection quicker, more quantitative, and defensible, helping land managers better meet their reclamation needs.

COMPLETING THE KNOWLEDGE CYCLE: DERIVING IPM KNOWLEDGE DIRECTLY FROM PRACTITIONERS ON WORKING LANDSCAPES. Tracy Schohr*¹, Leslie Roche², Julea Shaw³, Julea A. Shaw⁴, Kenneth W. Tate⁵, Elise Gornish⁶; ¹UC Cooperative Extension, Quincy, CA, ²University of California, Davis, CA, ³UC Davis, Davis, CA, ⁴University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, ⁵University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, ⁶University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Tucson, AZ

Practitioners hold one of the most voluminous caches of field-tested integrated pest management (IPM) experience. However, this information is generally not available in a synthesized, organized format for researchers and other managers to learn from. In one of the first coordinated efforts in the state, our research team has analyzed decision making surveys of practitioners from across California and conducted semi-structured interviews with ranchers and agencies, to mine knowledge from over 200 IPM practitioners on rangelands. Survey and interview findings elucidate factors that realistically contribute to IPM adoption and success, and showcase field-tested best management practices to control invasive species with managed grazing, seeding, herbicides and prescribed fire.  There are many stakeholders who are vested in re-establishing ecosystem health and productivity on rangelands. Results from this work will inform on-the-ground management strategies with case studies from dozens of practitioners. The project assess the effectiveness of different pest management tools and provides a data-driven description of IPM practices that maximize cost effectiveness while conserving diversity, and promote productivity.

EFFECTS OF MEDUSAHEAD ON BEEF CATTLE GAINS

. Jeremy J. James*¹, Josh S. Davy², Larry Forero³, Theresa Beccehtti⁴, Philip Brownsey⁵, Matthew Shapero⁶, Emilio Laca⁷; ¹Center Director, Browns Valley, CA, ²University of California, Red Bluff, CA, ³UCCE, Redding, CA, ⁴UCCE, Stockton, CA, ⁵UCCE, Sacramento, CA, ⁶UUCE, Ventura, CA, ⁷UC Davis, Davis, CA

The invasive grass medusahead dominates millions of acres of rangeland across the West. While the ecological impacts of medusahead on rangeland ecosystem function have been well-demonstrated the economic impact of this and similar invasive species has never been quantified, severely limiting cost:benefit assessment of different management decisions.  The objective of this study was to quantify the relationship between medusahead abundance and beef cattle gain. We experimentally manipulated medusahead abundance in 9, 5-acre pastures for two years (2013-2014) using fire, seeding, herbicide and grazing to reduce medusahead abundance in some pastures while increasing medusahead abundance in other pastures. In March 2016, and again in March 2017 we stocked pastures with 6 steers (approximately 650 lbs. starting weight) in each of the 9 pastures. Pastures were grazed from March to beginning of May and we adjusted stocking rate (removing or adding animals) to achieve equal utilization across pastures by the end of the growing season (target 800 lbs. per acre dry matter).  We quantified forage production and utilization monthly across 10 transects as well as forage composition as frequency in mid spring and total animal gain across the grazing period.  There was little evidence that medusahead abundance influenced average daily gain in this trial (P > 0.05) but across both years increasing medusahead abundance reduced carrying capacity.  On average a 10% increase in medusahead abundance decreased gains by 30 lbs per acre over the growing season.   Modest per acre inputs or changes in management that can progressively lower medusahead abundance are likely to produce a measurable economic and ecological benefit.

SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL ASSESSMENT OF MEDUSAHEAD USING REMOTE SENSING

Medusahead is an unpalatable, aggressive annual that has been invading and degrading western rangelands. This characteristic has negative effects on plant diversity and ecosystem function, promoting the creation of homogeneous landscapes. The costs to wildland systems, agriculture, and the public are high and land managers face resource constraints that can limit successful management. Management plans need to be practical, cost-effective, and sustainable if they are to reach specific targets. Supplementing management plans with remote sensing can provide rapid and cost-effective datasets that can provide unique information that can be beneficial to land managers threatened by medusahead. Research has been successful in creating large datasets that include a 30+ year time line of changes in medusahead in eastern Washington. 

THE LONGEVITY OF A CONTROLLED BURN’S IMPACTS ON SPECIES COMPOSITION AND BIOMASS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ANNUAL RANGELAND DURING DROUGHT
. Josh S. Davy*; University of California, Red Bluff, CA

ABSTRACT

Controlled burning timed in early summer can dramatically change the species composition of annual rangeland the following season.  Although this has been well documented, the longevity of these shifts has not.  Presented is a case study of a single 200 hectare burn to begin to understand how long plant communities and biomass production remain diverged between burned and unburned annual rangeland. Species composition and biomass production were monitored before and for three years after burning.  Burning drastically reduced medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae; P<0.01) the following year from 69% in the control to 4% cover in the area burned.  In the same year, filaree (Erodium spp; P<0.01) filled in the area left vacant, subsequently lessoning production (P<0.01) in the burn area by over half that of the control.  No difference existed in the occurrence of native wildflower species due to fire.  Three consecutive drought years following the burn shifted the control from medusahead dominance to filaree in a linear fashion.  At the same time, in the burned area medusahead cover increased fourfold between one and three years after the burn.  By three years post-burning the burned area had 4% more medusahead cover than the control and was equal in filaree, rose clover (Trifolium hirtum), and soft brome (Bromus hordeaceus) cover.  Our results suggest that a controlled burn followed by drought can cause the divergence in species composition and production to become void in as little as three years after a well-timed burn in a low elevation annual rangeland system.

GRAZING ROTATIONS ON RESTORED LAND AS A NEW TOOL FOR MEDUSAHEAD CONTROL. Casey Spackman*¹, Clint Stonecipher², Kip Panter², Juan Villalba³; ¹Utah State University, 84333, UT, ²USDA, Logan, UT, ³Utah State University, Logan, UT

Grazing animals represent a sustainable tool to control invasive species like medusahead (Taeniantherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski), although the low nutritional quality of this weed constrains its use by herbivores. We hypothesized that the nutrients from Siberian wheatgrass and forage kochia provide the appropriate nutritional context to enhance use of medusahead by cattle.  Beef cows (12) were assigned to two treatments in 6 plots (2 animals/plot) on private land in the scablands of eastern Washington: 1) Treatment animals grazed improved rangeland for 45 min/d and then they grazed medusahead-infested rangeland (SUP; n=3 plots) for 8 h/d and 2) Control animals grazed medusahead-infested rangeland only for 8 h/d (CTRL; n=3 plots) during 10 consecutive days in October of 2016.  Individual heifers were focally sampled for successive 5-min periods through the bite count method for use of medusahead (MH), annual grasses (AG), perennial grasses (PG), green forbs (GF), dried forbs (DF), and thatch (TH) in the plant community. Preliminary data shows that grazing the improved pasture (SUP) slightly enhanced the subsequent use of MH in the medusahead-infested plant community relative to the CTRL (31.6 ± 4.4 vs 27.3 ± 3.7% of bites/day, respectively). There was no difference between treatments in grazing of AG, GF, DF, and TH, but SUP animals also utilized medusahead in the improved pasture (42.4 ± 0.09% bites/day, respectively) and consumed less PG in medusahead-infested rangeland than CTRL animals (6.4 ± 1.5% vs. 13.1 ± 2.8% of bites/day, respectively). Preference for PG and reluctance to consume MH is often the reason for medusahead spread. The reduced consumption of PG and the increased preference for MH by SUP cows contributes to reverse this trend. Therefore, rotations from improved pastures to medusahead-infested pastures may be used as a tool to mitigate medusahead spread in the invaded scablands of eastern Washington.

VALIDATING A TIME SERIES OF HERBACEOUS ANNUAL COVER MAPS IN THE SAGEBRUSH ECOSYSTEM

We developed a time series (2000 – 2016) of spatially explicit herbaceous annual maps in 1% increments that emphasize annual grass cover in the sagebrush ecosystem. The study area includes the Great Basin, the Snake River Plain, the state of Wyoming, and contiguous areas. We integrated remotely sensed data (250-m eMODIS NDVI) with land cover (National Land Cover Database), biogeophysical (e.g. soils, topography), and 30-year precipitation data into regression-tree software to develop an herbaceous annual mapping model. In sagebrush ecosystems, annual grasses, especially cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), result in grass-fire cycles that endanger human-built structures, compromise recreational and hunting resources, destroy wildlife habitat, and reduce air quality. We applied a mask to areas above 2250-m elevation because cheatgrass is unlikely to exist at substantial cover above this threshold. To target likely sagebrush ecosystems, the mask also hid pixels classified as something other than shrub or grassland/herbaceous by the NLCD. We validated the model in two ways. We used 1) accuracy assessment data that the regression-tree software generated for training and independent test data sets. This assessment includes a correlation coefficient (r) value, an average absolute error, a relative absolute error, and a mean average error (MAE) and standard deviation based on nine model boot-strap randomizations. 2) High resolution remotely sensed herbaceous annual data spatially averaged to 250 m and BLM Terrestrial Assessment Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) data. These data were compared to the herbaceous annual cover maps in corresponding years, and we calculated r-values and the MAE. This time series of maps illustrates the spatio-temporal variability of annual grasses in the sagebrush ecosystem and can be accessed at doi:10.5066/F71J98QK. 

ESPLANADE 200SC: A NEW LONG-TERM CONTROL STRATEGY FOR MANAGING INVASIVE WINTER ANNUAL GRASSES ON RANGELAND

Invasive winter annual grasses such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), and ventenata (Ventenata dubia) are a threat to native ecosystems throughout the US.  Cheatgrass out-competes native vegetation with devastating consequences including more frequent and more intense wildfires, degraded wildlife and pollinator habitat, loss of diversity, and inferior recreation experiences.  For decades, land managers have been attempting to recover cheatgrass dominated sites; however, there are currently limited management options that work consistently, provide multiple years of control, and do not injure desirable plant communities.  While glyphosate, imazapic (Plateau®, BASF), and rimsulfuron (Matrix®, Bayer) are herbicides commonly recommended to control invasive annual grasses, short-term control results in rapid reinvasion of treated areas via the soil seed bank (<5 years).  Indaziflam (Esplanade® 200SC, Bayer) is a cellulose biosynthesis inhibiting (CBI) herbicide that is a unique mode of action for resistance management.  Multiple field studies at Colorado State University have shown Esplanade 200SC provides long-term (3+ years) cheatgrass control with a single application.  In addition, Esplanade 200SC promoted the reestablishment of the co-occurring plant community by increasing perennial grass (36-fold) and forb biomass (5-fold), and plant diversity (richness) over time.  Esplanade 200SC research trials have been conducted throuhgout the western US including Washington State University and Utah State University.  These studies have resulted in >99% ventenata and medusahead control the second year after treatment.  In a greenhouse study, indaziflam applied preemergence was on average 12 times more active than imazapic on six invasive annual grasses including cheatgrass, medusahead, and ventenata.  Indaziflam could potentially be used to eliminate the soil seed bank of these invasive grasses, decrease fine fuel accumulation, and ultimately increase the competitiveness of perennial co-occuring species on western rangelands.  Bayer is currently conducting the studies necessary to establish a grazing tolerance for use on sites grazed by domestic livestock.     

DOES A DRY HERBICIDE DELIVERY SYSTEM PROVIDE INCREASED CHEATGRASS CONTROL BENEATH A SHRUB CANOPY? Clay W. Wood*¹, Brian A. Mealor²; ¹University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, ²University of Wyoming, Sheridan, WY

Imazapic is commonly used to manage cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) on rangelands where cheatgrass-fueled fires threaten sagebrush conservation. However, the amount of herbicide reaching its target site may be reduced via shrub canopy interception. We evaluated two formulations of imazapic – liquid and granular – for cheatgrass control beneath shrub canopies in greenhouse and field studies. In the greenhouse, we applied both imazapic formulations at five preemergent rates to pots seeded with cheatgrass – with and without a sagebrush canopy. Cheatgrass biomass did not differ between formulations (p>0.2) or canopy cover treatments (p>0.6) in the greenhouse. We aerially applied liquid imazapic at 123 g ai·ha-1 and granular imazapic at 135 g ai·ha-1 at four field sites: Hyattville, Pinedale, Saratoga, and Sheridan, WY. We collected cheatgrass biomass beneath shrub canopies and within shrub interspaces at all sites one year after treatment (YAT) and two YAT at Saratoga and Pinedale. Cheatgrass biomass reductions were not observed one YAT at Hyattville or Sheridan for either herbicide formulation (p>0.4). No differences were detected between cheatgrass biomass beneath shrubs or in interspaces one YAT at Saratoga or Pinedale (p>0.68). Herbicide treatment was the only factor affecting cheatgrass biomass one YAT at Saratoga and Pinedale (p<0.05). One YAT at Saratoga, both imazapic formulations similarly reduced cheatgrass biomass, but at Pinedale, the liquid formulation reduced cheatgrass biomass more than the granular. Saratoga was the only site with biomass reduction beneath shrubs for both formulations two YAT (p<0.05). We quantified herbicide deposition at the soil surface at Hyattville and Sheridan during aerial herbicide applications. Liquid imazapic coverage (%) was greater in interspaces than under shrubs (p<0.001). Granular imazapic weight (g·ha-1) was consistent at both sites (p>0.7). Our results indicate that although a granular formulation may provide greater herbicide deposition beneath shrub canopies than liquid, similar reductions in cheatgrass biomass may be achieved.

PROACTIVE STEPS TAKEN BY THE SEED INDUSTRY TO ADVANCE THE NATIONAL NATIVE SEED STRATEGY. Ed S. Kleiner*; Comstock Seed, Gardnerville, NV

ABSTRACT

Scientific advancement in plant genetics is revealing diversity within species across their geographic distribution.  There is consensus between scientists and the federal land agencies that this diversity should be taken into account when choosing seed sources for restoration work.  The National Native Seed Strategy lays out a path to move towards developing seed sources to reflect this diversity.  The seed industry has partnered with the Plant material centers to isolate and increase native seed inventories to reflect this diversity.  In turn, these increases can be moved into the private sector for largescale cultivation and marketing.   Scientists are developing seed transfer zones (STZ’s) for important species that will define and limit the areas where seed can be moved.  These seed transfer zones are also being used for the movement of native collections directly to the market.   There is also a proliferation in local source collection contracts in the immediate vicinity of projects such as mines, highways, fires, and other disturbances.  This presentation briefly reviews examples of these activities and the proactive roles that the seed industry can play in moving the national seed strategy forward.

SAGEBRUSH RESTORATION FOR GREATER SAGE-GROUSE HABITAT: GLEANING WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW FROM PAST SUCCESSES. Robert S. Arkle*¹, David S. Pilliod¹, Justin L. Welty², Matthew J. Germino¹, David A. Pyke³, John B. Bradford⁴, Michael C. Duniway⁵, Daniel Manier⁶; ¹US Geological Survey, Boise, ID, ²Dept. of Interior USGS, Boise, ID, ³U.S. Geological Survey, Corvallis, OR, ⁴US Geological Survey, Flagstaff, AZ, ⁵US Geological Survey, Moab, UT, ⁶US Geological Survey, Fort Collins, CO

Despite decades of sagebrush restoration efforts spanning millions of hectares, information on the likelihood, rate, and factors governing post-fire sagebrush establishment is still lacking. Using field data from over 150 sites across the Great Basin, we examined how post-wildfire sagebrush establishment was influenced by pre-treatment vegetation, sagebrush seed source, climate, post-treatment weather, soils, topography, fire history, and treatment implementation method. Preliminary results indicate that big sagebrush is difficult to restore at most seeding sites and takes decades to provide cover meeting habitat guidelines for Greater Sage-grouse. However, successful establishment of sagebrush did occur at many sites and was related to microsites left by pre-fire sagebrush, post-treatment temperature and precipitation, and treatment implementation methods. About 10% of plots at sites where sagebrush successfully established were used by Greater Sage-grouse based on fecal pellet surveys. These findings could help guide decisions regarding when, where, and how to invest limited resources in post-wildfire big sagebrush restoration for the benefit of sagebrush obligate species like the Greater Sage-grouse.

SEEDING BIG SAGEBRUSH (ARTMEISIA TRIDENTATA) IN UTAH. Kevin Gunnell*, Danny Summers; Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Ephraim, UT

ABSTRACT

Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) has been seeded on rangeland treatments and wildfires throughout Utah for the enhancement of watersheds and wildlife habitat. Examination of vegetation data collected from across Utah has shown limited success from seeding of big sagebrush when seeded following a rangeland treatment or wildfire. To test the impact of seeding rate and timing we seeded Wyoming big sagebrush over the winters of 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 at 12 different rates every two weeks from fall through spring at two locations. Seedlings were counted in the spring of 2016 and 2017 to determine the impact that seeding rate and timing had on germination rates. Initial results show that timing and rates likely influence big sagebrush seeding establishment and success, and that some recommended current practices may need to be revised for increased success of sagebrush seedings. 

EMERGING SEED ENHANCEMENTS TO IMPROVE SAGEBRUSH POST-FIRE/RESTORATION SEEDING SUCCESS

. Ryan Call*, Matthew D. Madsen; Brigham Young University, Provo, UT